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Tunable Multipolar Surface Plasmons in 2D Ti3C2 T x MXene Flakes.
Jehad K El-Demellawi1,2, Sergei Lopatin3, Jun Yin2
1Physical Sciences and Engineering Division , King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) , Thuwal 23955-6900 , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
ACS Nano
|July 19, 2018
Summary
This study visualizes surface plasmon excitations in 2D titanium carbide (Ti3C2) MXene flakes using STEM-EELS. Results reveal tunable plasmon energies and unique monolayer properties, paving the way for novel optoelectronic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Two-dimensional (2D) titanium carbide (Ti3C2) MXenes exhibit strong surface plasmon (SP) excitations.
- The spatial variation of these SPs within individual Ti3C2 Tx flakes has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial and energy distribution of SPs in mono- and multilayered Ti3C2 Tx flakes.
- To correlate SP characteristics with flake morphology and explore tunability via thermal annealing.
Main Methods:
- Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with ultra-high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) mapping.
- In situ heating STEM to monitor changes in surface functionalization and SP energy during annealing up to 900 °C.
Main Results:
- Direct visualization of inherent interband transitions and various transversal/longitudinal SP modes (visible to MIR) correlated with flake properties.
- Demonstration of independent polarizability in Ti3C2 Tx monolayers due to weak interlayer coupling.
- Observation of SP energy blue-shift with increasing temperature due to fluorine desorption and increased free electron density above 500 °C.
Conclusions:
- Ti3C2 Tx monolayers possess unique, independently tunable SPs, enabling engineered nanoscale systems.
- Thermal annealing effectively tunes SP energies by modifying surface functionalization and electron density.
- These findings highlight the potential of Ti3C2 Tx for visible-to-mid-infrared optoelectronic applications.
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